The POI loader has a great set of features, to rival any device. Garmin have been busy developing it (so make sure that you download the latest version).

Some of these features are mentioned below:

Ensure that the POI files are all in the same folder. That means the .CSV file and .BMP file that you extracted from the ZIP file you downloaded from the website (or from the disk).

WARNING: Every time you upload new POI's to the Garmin it removes the previous ones you loaded. So make sure that all of the POI's you need are in the source folder. Be very careful if you have loaded Speed Camera or Low Bridge POI's etc from other suppliers. These will be "wiped" by loading new POI's, so make sure you also have them copied into this folder.

NOTE: The "factory installed" POI's on your Garmin  will not be altered.  Its only the USER added POI's that  will be replaced when you load new POI. In other words if you haven't loaded any POI before then you don't need to do anything.

So you now have all the POI files you need in an easy to locate folder e.g. desktop\my_poi\

Now connect your Garmin (or plug the memory card in) to the PC. The POIloader software should start on its own, if its doesn't then start it through the program menu.

Follow the on screen prompts, make sure you select MANUAL rather than EXPRESS mode. This ensures you get to see the proximity alert setup and settings. If you use EXPRESS mode then you will not have this control.

When prompted for the POI folder for source files, select your folder e.g. desktop\my_poi\ and follow the on screen prompts.

When its completed the Garmin can be disconnected and then re-started. You are now ready to test and use the POI's.

NOTE: On the first few tries its best to use the MANUAL mode. Then as you get used to the settings and if you don't have any proximity alerts to use then you can move to EXPRESS. 

You will need to locate the POI folder on your Garmin. This varies from device to device but typically is in the folder called MY LOCATIONS, which can sometimes be under the WHERE TO menu. For details please see the Garmin POI Loader Guide, here is common locations;

StreetPilot i3:

Where To >

Food, Hotels & More >

Custom Points

StreetPilot c3x0: Where To >

 My Locations >

 Custom POI's

StreetPilot 2xx0:

Where To >

My Locations >

Custom POI's

StreetPilot 2720 (new versions):

Where To >

 My Locations

 > Extra's

Nüvi 300:

My Locations >

Custom POI

Nüvi Series:

My Locations >

Custom POI

To help you with your download problems, please read the following common questions. This may help you and avoid having to wait for an answer.

When contacting us always quote your name, email used with paypal and paypal transaction ID as well as the product name you bought;

Q. I haven't received a download link ?

A. After you paid for the download you will have been taken back to our web page. Here the page will have explained what you do next. You need to follow these instructions to receive the download link. If you exited before this page then read on. 

Q. What is my order code ?

A. This is the code given to you on the order confirmation page - which you went to after paying on paypal. Sometimes people don't get to this page and exit paypal early. If this has happened then you will need to send us an email explaining this and your paypal transaction ID, so we can verify the purchase.

Q. I keep sending you email and I don't get a reply , what should I do ?

A. This can sometimes be due to SPAM issues. We suggest that you try another email address for sending us the message. If that doesnt work then please call out technical support number see contact on the nav-bar.

To help you with your mail order purchase we have assembled typical questions people ask.

When contacting us always quote your name, email used with paypal and paypal transaction ID as well as the product name you bought;

Q. How long will my order take to arrive ?

A. Your order will be sent on the first Monday following your order. You will receive an email conformation when it has been posted. You will receive this despatch confirmation within 7 days of placing your order. If you don't then contact us immediately.

Q. What if it still doesn't arrive ?

If after receiving the despatch confirmation the CD ROM doesn't arrive within 4 working days then please contact us. All orders despatched should be with customers within 4 days at most. We have had some orders that have been stolen (being mistaken for DVD's) so make sure you tell us if an order isn't delivered within 4 days.

Q. Can I download it instead ?

A. Yes you can - but you will need to let us know. You can do this by emailing us your paypal transaction ID and name and the email you use with paypal

There are some common misconceptions around POI's and what they can do. Just because data is on a sat-nav it doesn't mean its correct, accuracy and correctness are very different !

There are a number of POI's around that you can find and they are of varying quality, some very good ranging down to some fly by night rip-off and rejects on eBay. Like most things you do get what you pay for - our POI's are of a known quality level. They are regularly updated, verified and checked. When mistakes are spotted we correct them and issue updates.

We also won't publish POI sets unless they are  complete enough to be useful. There are a lot of POI mentioned on websites where you only find they have 1 or 2 of the locations.

Most POI's are created in the same way, from converting a postcode to a position. This is often good enough for general use and in cities and towns. In cities and towns the postcodes are small areas and so the error margin for the POI is small. It may be 2off2 but only by a house or so.

However in the country, postcode areas can be large and so a house or two can be 5 miles away, on the other side of a hill ! For paid for POI like Low Bridges and so on we do other methods to ensure they are correct as they have to be spot on. For the bulk of general POI however this isn't required and the inaccuracy from postcodes is small.

So don't ever depend on a POI set that you haven't used before making a critical journey. Finally use all the data you have to hand and that includes road signs in the area you are driving around. Just because we now have sat-nav doesn't mean we have to stop looking at signs !

Q. I have mailed you for the link with my code and had no reply ?

Have you mailed to the correct email address - the response is automated so you must use the correct address ?

Is your SPAM folder holding our reply ? We do see this often. A SPAM folder having intercepted the reply and people retrying lots thinking its been unsuccessful.

Q. I mailed you and got no response what can I do now ?

A. You can mail the link request as many times as you like. The system will keep replying with instructions until you have successfully downloaded. The link remains active for 30 days, if you wait longer than this please email us.

Q. The file I downloaded is corrupt ?

A. Please try and download the file again, you can do this by sending another request. Also make sure you are EXTRACTING the contents using Winzip or similar, you cannot use the data by just opening the ZIP file, it must be EXTRACTED.

Q. I have copied the files to the Garmin and they don't work ?

A. Often people place the files in the wrong place or just copy them over. Make sure that you use the Garmin POI Loader and that you have located the right folders as per the installation instructions.

Q. None of this has helped, what's happening with my order ? I am at the end of my tether - I need to talk to someone ?

A. Give us a call but please be at your PC and have the details ready of what's happening.

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